 |
| Change Begins With A Word... Photo By Ali Edwards. |
With that in mind, this year, I am setting aside the traditional approach to New Year’s Resolutions. Instead of creating a lofty wish list that lies beyond the realm of achievability, or an unmotivating list of “should do’s”, I am picking one little word to serve as my guiding principle in the new year.
That word is . . .
S I M P L I F Y
I've been thinking about this concept for quite some time, but the thought solidified in my mind over the holidays. I cut back back on a number of activities I normally participate in, and instead of missing them, I reveled in the gifts that a little extra time and space brought with them. More time to relax. More time for loved ones. More time for pursuits that really matter.
In Living The Simple Life, Elaine St. James writes:
Simplifying is not necessarily about getting rid of everything we've worked so hard for. It's about making wise choices among the things we now have to choose from. It's about recognizing that trying to have it all has gotten in the way of enjoying the things which do add to our happiness and well-being. So it's about deciding what's important to us, and gracefully letting go of the things that aren't.So, over the course of 2011, my goal is to tackle some major aspects of my life with this guiding principle in mind. I look forward to sharing my journey with you as I work towards creating a simpler, yet more rewarding life!
Resources
Are you new to the One Little Word concept? You can learn more about Ali Edward's approach in her original and current posts: 2007 and 2011.
What a great choice of word to live by in 2011. Best of luck to you and Cheers to a new year!!
ReplyDeleteDawn
This is a wonderful choice! I have a cute little country style decor hanging above my hallway door and it says "Simplify" It's a reminder everyday I get ready to head out of the house what I need to do. Life should be easy and stress free. :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Kate
"It's about making wise choices among the things we now have to choose from. It's about recognizing that trying to have it all has gotten in the way of enjoying the things which do add to our happiness and well-being."
ReplyDeleteLove this!! Great word choice.
Looking forward to reading about how this word transforms your life in 2011.
Alida
Good word!
ReplyDeleteI need to simplify too!
Yvonne
oh..you a breath of fresh air!! I needed that!! I am so excited to bring simplicity into my life too!! I dropped some activities I paid for and I have found I never even needed them..I had what i needed right in front of me!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful word for 2011 :) Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYup, that would be a stretch for me but yea, I see that as a good thing. Maybe I could simplify somewhere. Gonna keep that in mind...:) ha ha
ReplyDeleteThe word of intention is such a great tool! I chose a word last year and have done so again this year - balance.
ReplyDeleteI love your word and what it implies!
Following you from More followers Monday. I would love it if you could follow me too.
ReplyDeletehttp://reinventedmama.blogspot.com/
What a perfect word choice! I should probably make 'simplify' my word too.
ReplyDeleteJust stopping by from the Say Hi Sunday Blog Hop. I'd love it if you'd come vist and follow me too at my new giveaway blog, Swagtastic Mama!
That is a great word. I am going to have to check this out. I think I know what I want my word to be. Have a Happy New Year!!!
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm a new follower from Tuesday Tag. So glad I found your blog. Looking forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteGreen Momma
Following from MFM!
ReplyDeleteSimplify is absolutely on my list of things to do in the New Year as is organization!
Following you via Tuesday Blog Trail. Hope you will follow me back too @ http://masalabowl.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-234-tuesday-blog-hop.html#comments
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! My TT: http://www.rundpinne.com/2011/01/teaser-tuesdays-the-lotus-eaters.html
ReplyDeleteGreat word! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Can't wait to see how it all goes!
ReplyDeleteFollowing from Miscellany Mondays!
Great choice! Mine should be organize!
ReplyDeleteJust thinking of you and wanted to come by and say hello.
Hope your doing well and that you have a very Happy New Year
Love
Maggie
Love the one word selection!
ReplyDeleteNew follower from Wednesday Window!
Becca from Becca's Perspective
I'm visiting from the Wednesday Window Blog Hop. You have a lovely site which matches the word you've chosen for 2011. Wishing you success as you pursue your goals! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI am from Feline Playful blog.
I am a new Followers of your blog.
Your blog is beautiful.
Happy New Year!
Hugs Karla
I am a new follower of yours!
ReplyDeleteThanks, http://mimilovesall8.blogspot.com
Interesting word choice. Our women's group is doing a Bible Study by Cynthia Heald on Simplicity. It's always good to get the excess out of our lives.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Janis
Saw you posted at Spiritual Sundays
The word "simplify" is very important for me to remember, especially lately. I think I am going to adopt this word to focus on with you, as well as "joy," which I think is equally important!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Meri
My word for this year is "Simplify", too! :)
ReplyDeleteAloha: Pets
That's a great word for the year!
ReplyDeletehttp://atticgirl.blogspot.com/2011/01/aloha-friday-happy-new-year.html
My word would be: Embrace
ReplyDeleteWow! That is a great word to live by ...
ReplyDeleteI have always gone by with 'Live and let live.' ... helps me stop complaining about myself, my life and other people. but that's too many word isn't it? So maybe I'd choose just 'Live'.
great word choice, mine would have to be healthier
ReplyDeleteI like your word. My word for this year is dreams. This is the year I am working on making some of those crazy ideas that float around my head happen.
ReplyDeleteGlad to find you through Saturday Sampling!
I love this idea. For me, I might also choose Simplify. Or maybe Breathe. Thanks for linking this up.
ReplyDeleteI am disabled, mostly homebound, so I've been forced to Simplify. I have found that it has opened the creative side of my mind, allowing me to blog. Before I stopped working I never wrote a word, then all of a sudden I wrote. and the ideas have not stopped. I am never stuck for a topic.
ReplyDeleteSimplify = Creativity
What a wonderful word to focus on! Simplifying is something that I'm sure many of us could benefit from thinking about this year.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day! :-)
--Hannah
Great choice! Wouldn't it be fun if the whole world chose that word?
ReplyDeleteI've headed over from Denise's blog challenge Project 2011 where we use up stash!